Chapter 398

The following morning, Caden received an urgent call from Joy Mansion, requesting his immediate return. Upon entering, he was met with a wave of laughter. Ciara, recently informed of a curious coincidence, exclaimed, “What are the odds? This is straight out of a novel!”

Blake added, “When I first met Ms. Bennett, I felt a strange connection. It seems my instincts were correct.” Ciara’s laughter subsided, replaced by a more serious expression. Blake continued, “Ciara, don’t you think this could be a sign?”

Ciara replied calmly, “Blake, you’re reading too much into it. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.”

At that moment, Caden entered, his face impassive. “With all this laughter, I thought I’d entered the wrong house,” he said, his cold gaze fixing on Blake. “Am I interrupting something?” Ciara was speechless, her thoughts racing. Caden, you little troublemaker! Why did you come back so late? Blake’s making a move on Alicia!

Blake, unfazed by Caden’s sarcasm, ignored the comment. Caden scanned the room, his eyes sharp. Alicia was nowhere in sight, but he felt no disappointment. After all, why would she have returned with Blake?

Blake rose, maintaining a courteous tone. “Caden, I’m here to collect Ray. I apologize for any inconvenience he may have caused.”

Caden responded flatly, “He was quite a handful, expecting everything to be given to him like a spoiled child.” Blake didn’t argue; Ray was indeed difficult, the reason for his hasty visit. However, Ray refused to leave, sulking and clearly enjoying his time at Joy Mansion. Despite Blake’s various attempts to persuade him, Ray remained unmoved. Finally, crouching down, Blake asked, “Do you want to see Alicia?”

Ray’s eyelashes fluttered at the mention of her name. Blake continued, “Alicia saved you. I’m immensely grateful, and I’d like to take her to dinner. Will you come with me?”

Ray looked up, his voice trembling. “Why did you leave me behind?” Tears welled in his eyes. Blake’s heart sank. “It was my mistake,” he said softly. “Will you forgive me?”

Ray, his breaths shaky with sobs, wiped his tears and turned away. “I don’t want to leave. I want to stay here with Ciara. I don’t want to go with you!”

Blake continued to patiently soothe him, while Caden, growing impatient, turned to leave. Ciara stepped in front of him. “Where do you think you’re going?” she asked quietly. “You should learn from him. Look how he’s coaxing Ray.”

The corners of Caden’s lips twitched. “That’s his brother. Isn’t that how you coax children?”

Ciara raised an eyebrow. “Can you coax Alicia like that?”

Caden paused, then replied, “I have my own way. No need for you to worry about it.”